We've always been taught that it's an insult to say something was jerry-rigged. Our concerts this past weekend in Newberg OR and Yakima WA forced us to re-think that; they were each spearheaded by guys named Jerry, and they both went extremely well.

This is the second year in a row we've made a May trip to the Pacific Northwest, and Lord willing, we'll be eagerly awaiting a third. The concerts were well attended and the audiences were extremely enthusiastic.

Our Yakima audience included a large Canadian contingent who came from as far away as Calgary, Alberta, and Vancouver, British Columbia. Of course, we had to do a little long-distance traveling, too.

Last year, we flew into Seattle, played in Mount Vernon WA, then drove to Oregon, played in Newberg, and flew out of Portland. This year, we flew into Portland, played in Newberg, drove to our concert in Yakima, and then drove back to Portland and flew out of there.

On the way from Oregon to Washington, we stopped at the majestic Multnomah Falls in the Columbia River Gorge in Oregon. Wow. If you've never seen the falls in person, do yourself a favor and check out some photos of it on the Internet. It's breathtaking.

We also stopped at Sam Hill's Stonehenge, built on a bluff overlooking the Columbia River in Maryville WA -- a replica of Stonehenge built from 1918-30 as a memorial to those who died in World War I. Unlike the replica of Stonehenge in the movie "This is Spinal Tap," this one was in no "danger of being crushed by a dwarf." It's full size. We believe in living large.

We got home safely on Sunday night, a little later than expected because of a delayed flight, a delayed landing, delayed luggage (they couldn't find our instruments for quite some time), and a delayed start to the dead battery in Jimmy's van. But God worked it all out.

Here are some nice emails we received from both our promoters -- the Jerrys:

Deanna and I wanted to personally thank you all again for coming out to Newberg OR and sharing your talents and ministries with us all.

Lives were touched and blessed, we can't wait to have you guys back out here to Oregon, you're the awesomest! We thank God for your willingness and heart for the gospel. Keep rocking for God!

Jerry Moore
Newberg OR

It was truly a blessing having you here. We received many comments around how awesome everything was, and how they were touched by your overall message.

Be blessed and thank your family and church for allowing us to "borrow" you for the day. Their sacrifice is very appreciated!

Our merchandise coordinators: Kathi (Newberg) and Dawna (the "a" at the end is silent), Kayla, and Kelly (Yakima)

Our chauffeurs: Jerry & Deanna

Our opening band: Truth Be Told (Newberg). Truth Be Told is another Christian parody band, based in Oregon. They're great guys, and it was an honor to share the stage with them.

Here are some awesome emails we received afterward from the fans in attendance:

I went to your concert in Newberg last night and I had such an awesome time! Thank you so much. My Christmas present was to go see you guys, and it was the best present ever. I can't wait to take all my friends -- Christian and non-Christian -- to your concert next time you come to Oregon!

At first I found J. a bit intimidating, but soon I began to feel what it was all about, and it was the most amazing feeling ever. I could feel how you felt about Him, and it was amazing! It renewed my joy in Christ. I have a much better relationship with Him after your music, and I can't wait to download more!

Ariana Davis
Dallas OR

Concert last night in Newberg rocked. Great testimony from Tom M., and Tom T. gave that kid a lifetime memory playing his guitar. You guys could not be friendlier with the fans. Awesome to see everybody digging the music while Christ is presented. My son and I had an awesome time, and we can't wait til the next one.

Bobby Rice
Bassist: Cry of Stones

Sure enjoyed your concert tonight (in Yakima), and I'm sure my back will be suffering from bopping around but it's worth it =) . To connect the name with the face, I'm the "Scooter Lady." And I think it's time for a cross-Canada tour ;)

Sue Truscott
Chilliwack, British Columbia, Canada

Thanks for a great concert Saturday night! We took our 5- and 6-year-old girls there. It was their first concert and we took them to your concert because we knew it would be a good, safe first concert experience for them. We had attended your concert years before when you came to Richland WA.

Anyway, thank you, we all thoroughly enjoyed it. On the way home we talked about what made it such a great concert (Christ-centered, entertaining, funny, great music). Then Brandon (their daddy) told them they had just been to a great concert and when they go to other concerts later in their lives to compare it to this one. It is a lesson they won't soon forget. Tom Tincha gave the girls both guitar picks, which they treasure. They took them to church this morning and shared with everyone about the concert.

I was expecting it to make an impression on the girls but I wasn't expecting to be challenged myself on total surrender to God - thanks!